Bryce Ryness, Jimmy Ray Bennett, John Gregorio and More Go Around the World, Opening May 30 Off-Broadway

By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
30 May 2013

Bryce Ryness

Around the World in 80 Days, a comedic play by Mark Brown based on the Jules Verne novel, officially opens at The New Theater at 45th Street May 30 at 6:30 PM following previews that began May 9.

Directed by Rachel Klein, the cast is led by Hair Drama Desk nominee Bryce Ryness as Phileas Fogg with Shirine Babb, Jimmy Ray Bennett, John Gregorio and Stephen Guarino. The five actors portray a total of 39 roles.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Rachel Klein as director," producer Cedric Yau said in a previous statement. "She combines a daring, uncompromising vision for design with a technical prowess for comedy." (The production team also includes Aaron Grant and the Aaron Grant Theatrical Inc. Team as general manager, TheatreMama as marketing consultant and Daryl Eisenberg Casting as casting director.)

Director Klein added, "I have been in love with Bryce’s work in the past and am thrilled to have him lead NYC on a journey around the world! He will bring Mark Brown’s hilarious and witty dialogue to life!"

Around the World in 80 Days, according to press notes, is a "fun frolic and fantastic update of the visionary classic. To win a bet, Phileas Fogg, the Victorian action hero, and his acrobatic sidekick Passepartout must circle the globe and return to London inside of 80 days. Unknowingly pursued by a tireless detective convinced that Fogg is a robber on the run, the fast-minded, fleet-footed pair traverse four continents and three oceans in a white-knuckled sprint."

The production also features scenic and house design by Robert Andrew Kovach, lighting design by Ben Kato, sound design by Sean Hagerty, projection design by Katherine Freer, costume design by Kae Burke, properties design by Elena Delgado and makeup design by Jessica Jade Jacob.

The New Theater at 45th Street is located at 354 West 45th Street. For tickets, priced $80 and $99, call (866) 811-4111 or click here.